From ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ to Content Writer: A Journey Beyond Virtual Assistance

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August 25,2024

From Stage Lights to Ushering Duty: Actor Navigates Hollywood’s Shifting Scene

Tyrone Huntley,a talented Actor,embodies the resourcefulness required to thrive in Los Angeles’ competitive entertainment world. Just days after delivering a commanding performance as Simon in the critically acclaimed production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the Hollywood Bowl, Huntley transitioned to a different role: guiding concertgoers to their seats as an usher at the very same venue.

A Dual Life in the Entertainment Capital

The transition, Huntley recounted, was surreal. Overhearing audience members discuss the show days later, unaware of his involvement, provided a unique perspective. A TikTok post by the Hollywood Bowl’s marketing team, viewed over 30,000 times, subtly acknowledged his presence, further highlighting the unexpected intersection of his roles. This situation underscores a growing reality for many performers in Southern California: the necessity of balancing artistic ambitions with the demands of financial stability.

How did your experience in live performance, specifically with productions like “Jesus Christ Superstar,” prepare you for the demands of creating engaging digital content?

The Unexpected Pivot: From Stage to Screen (and Keyboard)

For years, my professional life revolved around the energy of live performance. Specifically, touring with productions like “Jesus Christ Superstar.” The discipline, the collaborative spirit, and the sheer need to connect with an audience – these were foundational. But the touring life isn’t enduring forever. The question became: how do I translate those skills into a career that offers stability and creative fulfillment? The answer, surprisingly, was content writing.

It wasn’t a linear path. Initially, I explored freelance virtual assistance, offering administrative support to busy entrepreneurs.It was a good starting point,a way to leverage organizational skills honed during years of stage management. Though, I quickly realized I craved something more… something that allowed me to create, not just support. ThatS when I discovered the power of words – and the burgeoning field of digital content creation.

The Transferable Skills: More Than You Think

The leap from theatrical production to content marketing might seem vast, but the core skills are remarkably transferable. Consider this:

Storytelling: At its heart, theater is storytelling. Crafting compelling website content, blog posts, or marketing copy requires the same ability to build narrative, develop characters (even if those characters are brands!), and evoke emotion.

Audience Awareness: Knowing your audience is paramount in both disciplines. On stage, you read the room, adjusting performance based on audience reaction. As a content writer, you research target audiences, understand their pain points, and tailor your message accordingly. Audience engagement is key.

Collaboration: Theatre is intensely collaborative. Similarly, content creation often involves working with designers, SEO specialists, and marketing teams. The ability to communicate effectively and contribute to a shared vision is crucial.

Meeting Deadlines: Show time is non-negotiable. This instilled a relentless focus on deadlines – a trait highly valued in the fast-paced world of online content.

Adaptability: Touring throws curveballs constantly.This fostered a resilience and adaptability that’s invaluable when navigating the ever-changing landscape of digital marketing.

Content Writing Specializations: Finding Your Niche

The world of content writing is broad. I quickly learned that specializing is key to standing out. Here are a few popular avenues:

SEO Writing: Focusing on search engine optimization (SEO), crafting content designed to rank highly in search results. This involves keyword research, on-page optimization, and understanding search intent.

Copywriting: Writing persuasive content specifically designed to drive conversions – think sales pages, email marketing campaigns, and ad copy.

Blog Writing: Creating informative and engaging blog content to attract and retain an audience. This often involves content calendars and a consistent publishing schedule.

Technical Writing: Producing clear and concise documentation for complex products or services.

Social Media Content Creation: Developing engaging content for various social media platforms.

I gravitated towards long-form content and SEO writing. The research aspect appealed to my analytical side, and the challenge of ranking for competitive keywords felt like a satisfying puzzle.

The Tools of the Trade: Beyond Microsoft Word

While strong writing skills are fundamental, a modern content writer needs to be proficient with a range of tools:

Content Management Systems (CMS): Understanding platforms like WordPress (as defined by IBM https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/content-management-system), Drupal, and Joomla is essential for publishing and managing content.

SEO Tools: SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Moz are invaluable for keyword research, competitor analysis, and rank tracking.

Grammar & Style Checkers: Grammarly and ProWritingAid help ensure accuracy and clarity.

Project Management Tools: Asana, Trello, and Monday.com facilitate institution and collaboration.

AI Writing Assistants: Tools like Jasper and Copy.ai can assist with brainstorming and drafting, but should always be used ethically and with careful editing.

Building a Portfolio: from Zero to Credible

Transitioning from a non-conventional background requires building a strong portfolio. Here’s how I did it:

1. Alex Reed blogging: Offering to write free content for relevant websites in exchange for a byline and link to my (eventually) launched website.
2. Content Mills (Use with Caution): While not ideal long-term, platforms like Textbroker can provide initial experience and samples.
3. Personal Blog: Creating a blog on a topic I’m passionate about to showcase my writing style and expertise.
4. LinkedIn Articles: Publishing articles on LinkedIn to demonstrate thought leadership and attract potential clients.

The Benefits of a Creative Background in content

My theatrical background isn’t a detraction; it’s a differentiator. Clients often comment on my ability to:

Think outside the box: I’